Katherine stood slowly, holding onto the stone ledge for support. "Laird Drummond, I have the proof of our innocence which you seek. But before I give you that proof, I ask for your word that you will send for a physician to properly care for Sir William and allow me to leave here of my own free will as soon as I can find safe escort. Doubt not that I wish to leave."
All three men looked at her. Laird Drummond nodded. "I give you my word."
Katherine leaned her hot face against the cool stone and closed her eyes. "I shall hold you to that. Now, send Malcolm to the lord's chamber. Have him look upon his laird and the bloodied sheet Alexander sleeps upon. The virgin blood still fresh upon the sheet was taken from me by my husband but a short time past."
Silence followed her words as if each man knew in his soul that she spoke the truth. Within minutes, Malcolm returned, his expression grim. He nodded silently at the other man's questioning look. William shouted into the air above him. "Damn you, Alexander! How could you treat your wife so?"
Laird Drummond and Malcolm dropped to their knees before them. Drummond spoke first. "Lady MacGregor, Sir William, from the depths of my soul, I humbly give my apology for doubting your honor. Even though witness to Alexander's wrath, I know now what he was told was a blasphemous lie. I let my strong friendship with him cloud my judgment. For that, I do beg your forgiveness." Rising, he walked over to William and unlocked the chains that bound his wrists.
William's fist shot out, slamming into Laird Drummond's face, knocking him to the floor. Drummond sat there in silence, then stood and bowed to William. "I do not blame you. I would have done the same. Now, may I help you upstairs?"
"Aye."
Malcolm, still kneeling, said, "My Lady, if ye will allow it, I will serve ye unquestioning fer the rest of my days."
Touched by the raw sincerity of his oath, Katherine gently laid her hand upon his shoulder. "Malcolm, I ask only that you guide me safely from here to the nearest port where I may book passage elsewhere. I shall not remain here. You may return to the service of your laird upon seeing me safely away."
Malcolm looked up sadly at her. "Lady MacGregor, if 'twere within my power, I would willingly do so, but I am sworn to serve Alexander and canna go against his will. Ask aught of me other than be forsworn to him, and though it cost my life, I would gladly give it." He leaned down and silently touched his forehead to the hem of her gown.
Drummond's voice cut across the dank room. "Lean on me, William. 'Twill make it easier on your injured leg." Turning to face Katherine, he added, "My lady, I will keep my word. Malcolm, see to it that William's man is released from the other cell."
Katherine followed silently as the small group slowly made their way back to the bright torchlight above. As they reached the main corridor, she turned away from them and climbed the stairs by herself. She was alone now. Aye, and always would be.
Chapter Fifteen
Katherine sank down upon her bed and thought over what had happened, searching for answers. She was exhausted from the events of the past few hours yet her emotions would not rest. Shattered dreams; 'twas all she had left. As she lay there, she remembered the morn she'd spent riding with Alexander. Of his telling her about his family while they strolled in the garden. He had been so gentle, so pleasant. What had happened to change that?
Eventually, weariness overtook her and she slept for a few hours. When the room turned chilly, she awoke and added wood to the dying fire, stretching her arms toward the growing warmth. She stared into the flames and thought of the bond of trust her parents shared. 'Twas how she had hoped her marriage with Alexander would be.
Who told him she had been unfaithful? Fie, did it really matter? Surely, if he trusted her, he would not have believed the lie. That was the problem. He didn't trust her.
How could she live with a man who didn't trust her? The simple truth was, she couldn't. No, wouldn't. She had her pride as well. As soon as she could do so, she would leave and try to bury all this heartache in the past. She would begin a new future for herself, elsewhere. Alone.
The mere thought was anguish. She knew she would always yearn for her dream of a happy future with a loving husband, surrounded by their children and families. It had been one she'd longed for. But she would never know that with Alexander. And, despite what he thought of her honor, she would never forsake the marriage vows she'd pledged. She would remain alone.
Over the last few weeks, her fondness for him had grown, giving her hope that he felt the same. Did she really care for him or simply for the idea of having someone to love? In his absence, had her heart imagined things that were not so?
A thick, gray mist rose outside the castle, blocking the moonlight and casting the room into even darker shadow. The darkness matched the emotions of her heart. Every bright hope she'd had was gone. They had drifted away with the wind, just as the mist that rolled in every night.
Travel would not be possible for a few days. She must make certain Sir William was given the medical help he needed, and she must prepare her few belongings for the journey. Thinking of the many grand wedding gifts they'd received brought another pain of regret. The gifts were meant to build a future together. Now they were meaningless. She would not take any of the gifts they had been given. Her own belongings would have to be enough to start fresh in some distant place.
Desiring something to ease her nerves, she rose, poured a goblet of wine and sat on the rug before the fire. Slowly, she sipped her drink and stared into the hypnotic flames. When she felt soothed once more, she returned to her bed and prayed she would sleep.
The pale threads of dawn broke over the battlements as she awoke. She yawned and stretched, reluctant to rise from her warm bed to face the cold emptiness of her future. But there was much to be done before she could leave. By the time the sun lifted above the horizon, she had bathed and changed into a fresh gown.
When a timid knock sounded on her chamber door, she opened it to find a young maid standing in the corridor, fidgeting with her apron. "I beg yer pardon, m'lady but one of the MacGregors has taken ill. I'm told he sweats and moans and thrashes about in his bed somethin' fierce. I've been sent to bring ye to his bedside fer yer knowin' of healin' potions and such."
Katherine threw a shawl about her shoulders, grabbed up her basket of herbs and remedies, and followed the servant. Her thoughts assailed her as she hurried down the dim corridor. This was Alexander's fault. The rough treatment and damp cell where he'd ordered William to be taken must have brought on a fever and further damaged his leg.
When she turned toward William's wing of the castle, the maid stopped her. "Nay, m'lady, he lies this way."
"I do not understand. If Sir William is so ill, why was he moved from the comfort of his own chamber?"
"'Tis not Sir William who has taken ill, m'lady, 'tis Sir Alexander."
"But, I thought you spoke of Sir William. Sir Alexander was not injured when he arrived. How is it he could be so ill in so short a time?"
"'Tis sorry, I am, m'lady. I ken naught of such things, only that Laird Drummond bid me fetch ye. He awaits ye in the laird's chamber."
When Katherine reached the door to Alexander's room, she froze. Sweet Mary, she didn't want to go in there. That room meant nothing but shame and shattered dreams. How could she face Alexander now?
A man's angry voice carried through the closed door. "Does no one here know what to do? Where is Lady MacGregor?"
The wide-eyed maid looked at her in a silent plea. Katherine drew a deep breath and shoved the door open.
Dear Lord, what was going on? The chamber was stifling and filled with thick smoke. Both window shutters were closed. The blaze in the fireplace raged as Malcolm added additional wood. The curtains on the large bed were drawn shut except for the side where Laird Drummond stood, his face creased in obvious worry.
He looked up as Katherine rushed over and reached out to her. "Lady Katherine, thank God you've come. I've been told you have experience with the uses of cura
tives and healing potions. You must help him. I fear 'tis lung fever."
Katherine gasped as she stared down at Alexander. His face was a pale reflection of the one she remembered. The rich green of his eyes had vanished, replaced by the wide unconscious stare of dilated black pupils. His skin was a chalky white pallor. Sweat beaded his forehead leaving his damp hair plastered to his face and neck. He writhed in delirium, twisting bed sheets about him and scattering furs across the bed. When he struggled, hands clinging to the blankets, his knuckles appeared swollen, the skin stretched tight.
Stunned, she shot a questioning glance at Drummond. "He seemed fit enough yesterday. Tired perhaps, but not weak and sickening…"
Her voice trailed off as the vivid memory of their last time together flooded her mind. She felt her face grow hot and quickly looked away. "How could he be so ill in such a short time?"
Drummond frowned and shook his head. "Alex rode alone from court in poor weather for five days to join you at During Castle. When he arrived there and found you gone, he did not eat or rest, but instead set out with all speed for Ironwood. The night we joined him, he slept outside on the ground and did not take shelter in his tent. Later, he ate little, and wouldn't stop or even slow the journey to take shelter from a fierce storm. I fear the harsh journey has now left its mark on him."
"But why did he feel compelled to such haste to reach us here? He should have rested." Anger flashed through her as she realized the answer. "Did he seek to arrive here quickly because he thought his brother and I were lovers? 'Tis folly!" She shook her head. "I have never given him cause to doubt me. He didn't push himself so fierce to be with me. Only to accuse me and cast me aside."
She saw the look of obvious regret on Laird Drummond's face. When he quickly looked away and did not reply, her voice rose. "Or was it to be worse? A man may condemn his wife to death if she be found a whore. Tell me. Is that what he planned for me? And what of his brother? My God, I cannot believe a man could be so changed. So filled with hate."
Drummond pulled at the neck of his shirt as if it were too tight. "My lady, I have known Alexander most of our lives and I tell you when he was told you and his brother had been found, uh, together, he near went mad with grief as well as anger."
"Who spoke that lie?"
"I know not. Alex would not tell us who spoke against you and Sir William. I do know I have ne'er seen him so anguished."
"If he was anguished, as you claim, 'twas only because he craved revenge for his wounded pride. In the short time we had together before he left for court, he showed no great love for me. He sent nary a word to me of missing me while we were apart." Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to continue "Once, before we were wed, he spoke to me of the strong bond between his father and mother. I know he believed in their love, but it seems he does not believe the same for us."
The man before her nodded his head sadly. "Aye, he did speak of revenge but 'twas more to his feelings than that. I have seen him in the midst of battle when his life was in danger and his anger became a calculated, trained fury. Concern for honor and what he felt was right, made him a deadly foe indeed."
Drummond sighed. "Yet his fury on the battlefield was naught compared to the rage and emotion Malcolm and I beheld on our journey here. I believe he has stronger feelings for you than he may realize. Even in his telling of what he had been made to believe of you and his brother, he spoke of your beauty and kindness."
"If he has such feelings, then why did he seek to harm Sir William and me? I cannot understand it. Perhaps, Laird Drummond, you seek my help for him only to relieve your guilt in being a part to all of this."
He solemnly bowed his head. "I deserved that. I am guilty of being part of this, as you say. But, on my honor, my lady, I seek help for Alex out of long friendship and a hope you will not leave. That you two might yet learn to be happy together."
"Your words sound sincere, my lord, but I have seen little to convince me of this honor you so proudly speak of."
"Aye, 'tis true. But, as I swore to do, I have already sent for a physician for Sir William and have given him my own man-at-arms to see to his comfort and safety. I beseech you to show kindness and mercy. Give aid to Alexander. If after you do this, you still wish to leave, I will personally escort you to whatever port you ask and see you well paid as well."
"I want no payment for giving my help!"
A low moan reverberated from Alexander's throat and he tossed and turned in the bed.
She looked down at the pallid shadow of the man she knew, the sight touching her heart in spite of her hurt and anger. She sighed, then straightened her shoulders and faced her husband's friend. "I will do what I can. But you must agree to abide by the treatment I advise. I will not fight your interference as well as Alexander's illness."
Laird Drummond's lips curved in a smile. "Thank you. You shall have my complete agreement, my lady. You are truly a kind-hearted lass. Alex is blessed to have such a compassionate and strong willed wife."
Katherine answered with a touch of her old spirit. "We shall see if you still feel that way later, my lord. Now, kindly see that a servant is sent to the kitchen for the provisions I request. Have two of your strongest men and a carpenter sent here at once."
A puzzled expression crossed his face, but he nodded and left.
She immediately went to work, ordering the servants to open the shutters to the window so fresh air and sunlight could enter. Hearing the snap and crackle of the blazing fire, she looked over as Malcolm added another piece of wood to the already huge inferno. "Fie, Malcolm, do not put any more wood on. 'Tis too hot in here already."
The older man looked up, his face set in a tight scowl. "Alexander is chilled, my lady. I willna stand by and let him shiver."
Something inside her snapped. She advanced on Malcolm with the fury of a thunderstorm. Although he towered over her, she fisted her hands on her hips and shouted up at him. "Don't tell me what you will or will not do! You men think you can solve everything by fire and sword. I am giving the orders in this chamber. You will do as I say or I will have you removed from here and not allowed to return. Now, dampen that fire!"
For a moment he looked as if he would argue so she spoke again in a gentler fashion. "I vow to you, I will do everything in my power to help him."
He looked from her to Alexander and back to her again, then nodded silently. Grasping the iron poker, he stooped over and spread the burning wood and coals apart, lessening the fire's heat.
Several men had entered the chamber as she vented her emotions and stood as if dumbfounded. One of the men smirked and called out, "By the rood, Malcolm, ne'er have I seen ye so meek and mild afore. Do ye—" His words halted abruptly as Katherine spun around and glared at him.
"Give it to him, lassie," Malcolm muttered under his breath.
Though the words were hushed, she heard them and fought back the urge to smile. She marched over until she stood face to face with the man, crossed her arms over her chest, narrowed her eyes and glared at him, forcing him to step backward and lower his eyes. "And just who are you to question my decision?"
The man stumbled over his words as he hurried to reply. "B…beggin' yer pardon m'lady. We be the carpenters ye sent fer."
"Well, carpenter, I suggest you keep your mind on the work to be done. Or did you think you were you sent here to stand about asking foolish questions?"
"N…no, my lady."
As she headed across the room, she glanced back at Malcolm. He puffed up his chest and shot a wide grin at the carpenter. Following his look, she saw the sullen set of the other man's mouth and called out to him. "Don't just stand there. Come over here so I can explain what I want you to do." Men! Sometimes they were no better than overgrown bairns.
Reaching her husband's bedside, she yanked wide the heavy curtains and pointed to the furniture's massive frame. "I want you to move this over in front of yon window. Then build me some sort of platform that will raise the head of the bed at an ang
le."
When the men gaped at her, she explained. "'Twill help the laird breathe easier. Now, I have work to do in the kitchen preparing a poultice. I want this done by the time I return."
The determined tone of her voice and angry expression must have convinced the men, for they immediately set to do as she bid. The only sounds they uttered were strained grunts as they lifted and carried Alexander and his massive bed to the window. She nodded and left the room.
By mid morning, she had made a strong poultice of dried coltsfoot, nettles, powdered boneset and camphor. She ground the herbs with raw oats and mixed in boiling water until it made a thick paste. As soon as it had cooled enough not to burn Alexander, she returned and applied the aromatic gooey mass to his chest.
After she finished the task, she looked down at the front of her gown and frowned. Sweet saints, she had nearly as much of the strong-smelling mixture on her as he did. Glancing across the room, she said, "Malcolm, come watch over your lord while I change my clothes and prepare a soothing drink for him. Make sure he does not fall from his bed with all his moving about."
Grinning, the brawny man walked over and stood beside the bed. "Aye, my lady. Ye have naught to fash o'er with me here. I'll see he stays put like a wee bairn snug in a cradle."
Confident the man would do as she asked; Katherine smiled back, went to her chamber and quickly washed her hands and donned a fresh gown. Then she proceeded to the kitchen where she mixed a small draught of valerian and chamomile in a bit of water steeped in hops. Returning to the laird's room, she and Malcolm managed to administer most of the soothing tea to Alexander. It would ease his pain and allow him to sleep peacefully.
For the rest of the day and night, she alternated between bathing her husband's hot face and hands with cool water and reapplying the smelly poultice. Luckily, the herb tea kept him calm enough that he was able to sleep most of the time without thrashing about.
Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) Page 19
